PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he has directed the Director General of Police to conduct a detailed inquiry into irregularities at Colvale Central Jail and submit a report. He said the government has tightened supervision after the prison was placed under the Police Department, with SP level officers now directly overseeing operations. The directive comes amid mounting pressure following reports in The Goan of contraband and illicit trade inside the jail. The allegations include smuggling of drugs, alcohol, food and mobile phones, raising questions about security and accountability.
Exposés by The Goan had revealed a thriving underground economy within the prison where inmates allegedly paid thousands of rupees for unauthorised meals -- Rs 7,000 for tandoori, Rs 1,000 for fried rice, Rs 500 for fish.
Fruits supplied for prisoners were reportedly diverted to brew wine, which was then distributed among select inmates. Digital payment platforms such as GPay and other UPI apps were allegedly used to settle transactions, pointing to organised networks operating inside. Repeated seizures of narcotics and mobile phones were also reported, and in one case, a constable was arrested for attempting to smuggle 1.65 kg of ganja into the facility. Despite raids, contraband continued to surface, fuelling suspicions of insider collusion. Opposition leaders have also exerted pressure on the government, demanding accountability.
The Congress has called for an independent probe into what it described as a “cash economy” inside the jail, while Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP), Velim MLA Cruz Silva accused authorities of failing to stem the flow of drugs and phones despite multiple enquiries and transfers.
Silva has demanded immediate suspension of officials found guilty of lapses. Sawant’s order to the DGP, meanwhile, is seen as an attempt to restore credibility to Goa’s largest correctional facility but critics said probes alone will not suffice unless responsibility is fixed and entrenched networks dismantled.
